Sallerton Wood reviews

16 Jul 18'

Edward Smith reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"......"at the rate we're going I can't see us completing the course" I said to the friend accompanying me around the camp fire after day 1. But we certainly did, and the relaxed pace set by Andy was central to this experience at Sallerton Woods......no rushing, no pressure, just plenty of considered and experienced advice and all set in beautifully tranquil surroundings. We chose to camp, with the discovery of the shower (plenty of room, plenty of hot water) a revitalising bonus after a day on the tools. It was extremely satisfying to learn about the various tools employed and to be left to use them to make my Shave Horse. I really can't recommend this venture highly enough and will certainly return. Thank you, Andy, Jane and little Thomas."

6 Jul 18'

Tom reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"I cant imagine a better setting to learn the traditional craft of green wood chair making. Andy's extensive knowledge made the whole process fun and productive, Everyone on the 6 day course had a very nice finished product that they were proud of, each with there own individual character. The techniques and skills used allow you to take home a chair that would last for generations. Very good teaching, beautiful surroundings, great food and company. All in all one of the best experiences i've had in years."

19 Jun 18'

John Coombs reviewed: Introduction to green woodwork course at Sallerton Wood

"I did the one day course a couple of days ago and I want to go again. Andy is a competent and very able instructor. He made me feel relaxed and at home right from the start. Clearly there is a limit as to what can be done in a day, but I came away with a couple of fairly respectable spatulas and a hefty mallet and I am well pleased with that. Next time though I want to have a crack at one of the pole lathes. Oh, I should that the setting is stunning at that the catering was pretty good too. Andy make a good brew and they keep on coming. Thanks Andy,. See you again in not too long I hope."

19 Jun 18'

Steven Hanley reviewed: Introduction to green woodwork course at Sallerton Wood

"A wonderful experience. Set in the heart of the woodland, it is a very hands on course. Effective demonstrations of how to make each object, and then it is up to you to try. You experience using shave horses and pole lathes. All the work is done by hand. No electric tools in sight. Andy is friendly, and has good coaching skills. I did wonder if I would be bored, and itching to go home. Not a bit of it. Time flew by. I'm even thinking of doing another course."

5 Jun 18'

Miles Keeping reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"I went on a chair-making course in May 2018 and had a fantastic time. Andy is a great teacher who enabled all course participants to develop their skills, no matter what their starting point - we all came away with wonderful chairs, pieces of furniture to be proud of. Sallerton Wood is a beautiful and peaceful environment in which to learn and live (we all camped on site) and this, combined with Andy's relaxed approach, makes courses here an excellent way to learn new skills and develop existing ones. I would thoroughly recommend Sallerton Wood courses to all."

4 Jun 18'

Peter Crawford reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"Just finished an outstanding week at Sallerton woods on the six day chair making course. We camped in the woods and cooked on wood fires which only enhanced the whole experience The woods are a beautiful and tranquil place to stay and work Andy's tuition is second to none and his home made pizzas are the best I have had. Am thrilled to bits with my chair and would highly recommend sallerton to anyone who has an interest in woodworking and nature."

14 May 18'

Keith Kirby reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"I can’t speak highly enough of Andy and the courses run at Sallerton Wood. The entire ethos of the courses are very well thought out and and have real depth and harmony with the beautiful natural environment. Small class sizes enable Andy to easily transfer his enthusiasm and considerable knowledge to participants regardless of prior knowledge ensuring excellent value for money. I can’t wait for my next visit!"

12 May 18'

Andy Hutchinson reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"I am in my mid 60’s and I came to this course with reasonable practical skills, but with no experience of any green woodworking or carpentry of any sort. I was using tools I didn’t previously know the names of very quickly and was using those to produce something functional straight away so there was a sense of business, productivity and learning, throughout the two days, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The tuition from Andy was very good and individually focussed. The setting of the course is stunning and the atmosphere friendly and relaxed. The course is excellent value. I produced a shave horse in the two days which may not have been the most aesthetically pleasing piece produced, but I was proud of making it and it may represent the start of a new interest. I would certainly consider another course here and would recommend this particular version to anyone with an interest, whatever their previous experience."

10 May 18'

Duncan reviewed: Stool making course at Sallerton Wood

"Just returned from 3 wonderful days in Sallerton woods making a beautiful little stool under Andy's expert and thoughtful guidance. My stool now has pride of place in our lounge and will be a lovely reminder of a new skill experienced. So pleased I decided to camp on site to enjoy the full experience of this idyllic place. Thank you Andy and Jane."

9 May 18'

Carl Smith reviewed: Stool making course at Sallerton Wood

"Wow, what an amazing course. Absolutely brilliant all round from scenery, quality of the timber frame building, wonderful hand tools. Andy...well, Andy he's a wonderfully humble teacher, and his family are lovely. Plus you get a beautiful piece of furniture straight from the woods to keep, knowing its built in a sustainable way with no nasties :) Can't wait to sign up for another course with my daughter :)"

8 May 18'

Vicky Palmer reviewed: Stool making course at Sallerton Wood

"What a beautiful setting for a green woodwork course. I produced a great footstool under the thorough and patient tuition provided by Andy. I can't recommend highly enough the course and sitting alongside the stream with good food and lovely company was the icing on the cake. Andy and Jane are great hosts and I can't wait to book again.. Thank you ?"

4 Nov 17'

Jane reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"I really enjoyed this course ..... I've done a good bit of green woodwork previously but it still had its challenges and I loved re-familiarising myself with the pole lathe in particular, proud of managing to create components for my shave horse in this way. Andy was very patient and allowed me to make my own design adjustments to add character to my horse. I look forward to using it regularly in the future!"

10 Oct 17'

michael reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"You can expect full days astride your shave horse. Time flies as you shave away. First day was spent making umpteen struts for my chair (turned out I made too many) Second day and we were onto the chair legs. I think that was how it went . . . but time tends to stand still in Sallerton Wood. Not quite sure how, but at the end of 6 days I had a fine chair of ash with chestnut arms. In between times I spent a week in the woods, out in the elements. Coffee break in the morning and bread and cheese for lunch, very pleasant company and expert tuition from Andy who has buckets of enthusiasm and the tool, or specialised form for each stage of construction and a helpful tip along the way. Recommended."

30 Sep 17'

Sue Pesterfield reviewed: Introduction to green woodwork course at Sallerton Wood

"Lacking confidence and experience, I soon felt at home. I was able to ask questions and enjoyed the location, facilities, cups of tea and food. I gained confidence, enjoyed learning from Andy who is a patient and positive teacher. It is brilliant to be able to make things from scratch. Three techniques, and three useful tools made. Certainly a great introduction to working with green wood."

24 Sep 17'

Andrew Bedford reviewed: Introduction to green woodwork course at Sallerton Wood

"I had an excellent day learning basic green woodworking skills in the woods, the course certainly lived up to expectations. Andy is a great teacher and gave me the confidence to perhaps continue working with green wood in the future. Learning about the old methods of construction was really interesting. I would recommend this course to anyone."

18 Sep 17'

Gerti Morton reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"Green woodworking is addictive! This is now the third course I have attended at Sallerton Wood and I will certainly return to make another chair. I was gratified to realise that I could safely be more independent in producing good quality components for my chair, whilst getting expert assistance whenever necessary. Andy managed the expectations of us students well; allowing whatever freedom was possible to adapt a core design to suit the purposes we had in mind... but he will undoubtedly be glad when from next year he can offer a 2 day extension to the course if tutees plan chairs with either arms or rockers! The weather was dreadful but the experience totally positive and the chairs AMAZING. Thank you Andy."

17 Sep 17'

Keith Kirby reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"I can't speak highly enough of Andy's six day chair making course. I had a absolutely fabulous time.Andy is an expert in his field and can tailor his tuition so that ALL skill levels (I happen to have a degree in furniture design) really have a sense of achievement and fun at the end of the six days. Together with Jane and the rest of our class I was made to feel relaxed like being home from home. It's a true testament to Andy's well thought out teaching that despite it raining most of the week we hardly noticed. All tools,which Andy keeps honed to be really sharp and materials are provided to ensure that you will finish up with a heirloom piece of furniture to be proud of. If you're not sure, just jump in with both feet you'll have the time of your life! Thank you Andy and Jane look forward to seeing you again!"

31 Aug 17'

Emily Sheath reviewed: Stool making course at Sallerton Wood

"Sallerton Wood is a fabulous place to immerse yourself in green woodwork for a few days, and this course is a great introduction to the tools and techniques it involves. Andy is a very patient and encouraging teacher and in a short space of time I learned a huge amount. I have come away with a wonderful piece of furniture that has taken pride of place in my living room. Thanks so much to Andy and Jane for your kind hospitality - I hope to return soon to take on the challenge of making a chair!"

10 Aug 17'

Hannah M reviewed: Stool making course at Sallerton Wood

"Under Andy's gentle and patient tuition I've produced a stool to be proud of. The woodland setting is beautiful and relaxing and the hospitality provided by Andy and Jane was great. Overall it was a lovely introduction to green woodworking and I'm looking forward to attending more courses in the future!"

10 Aug 17'

Margaret Moores reviewed: Stool making course at Sallerton Wood

"I look at my stool and think, 'Did I really make this?' My previous experience, using downsized tools, was limited to vegetable peeling and cutting. My stool doesn't wobble; my stool isn't skewed; my stool looks grand. I did it! What a great tutor - so gentle with his words; so encouraging; so patient. Many thanks, Andy and Jane, for sharing the beautiful Sallerton Wood and for your warm hospitality. Now ... what shall I make next?"

9 Aug 17'

Anna Gwillim reviewed: Stool making course at Sallerton Wood

"A fantastic 3 days spent in Sallerton wood with family and friends. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole process, and experience. A massive thank you to both Andy for his clear and patient tuition, and to Jane for helping the course run smoothly and providing us with fantastic food and refreshments. Thrilled with the stool I produced and will definitely be returning for another course."

31 Jul 17'

Magnus Pahlsson reviewed: Introduction to green woodwork course at Sallerton Wood

"Having very limited green woodworking experience, I was hoping the course would enhance my non-existing skills and knowledge. It certainly did that. The weather was dreadful but the basic facilities to keep us dry worked a treat. Andy has excellent teaching skills and a lot of patience. This was a day out to remember. I am very likely to return"

25 Jul 17'

Paul Counter reviewed: Introduction to green woodwork course at Sallerton Wood

"I have some traditional woodworking experience, but this was a fascinating insight into the process of green woorworking. Actually taking a growing tree and, over the course of a few hours, felling, splitting and then carving out some useable objects was a wonderful experience. Even my teenage children enjoyed it. Andy and Jane are excellent hosts and instructors. 8 would thoroughly recommend this to people of any level of experience."

24 Jul 17'

John Rogers reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"This is the second course I have attended at Sallerton wood the first being a two day stool making course about a year ago, it served me well in taking on a six day chair making course. Doing the stool making first gives you a good grounding in the use of the tools and the techniques and I felt allot more confident, I only say this as before the stool course my woodworking skills were zero. It is not absolutely necessary to do the stool course first as as the quality of the training and guidance you will get from Andy Morton is second to none, he is very patient and always on hand to guide you through the difficult bits and it is amazing what you can achieve in the six days. Everything is done with hand tools and the wood is from the woodland you will be working in. Sallerton Wood is about 10 acres with under cover working and eating areas should it rain but working outside under the trees with the birds singing and the sun shining, absolutely brilliant. I'll be back next year to make chair number two. John Rogers"

22 Jul 17'

Judy Lambley reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"This is a thoroughly well thought out course which catered for the differing abilities of six people. In a timelessly peaceful setting, you are immediately drawn in to an ancient way of working. Under Andy's expert guidance we were each enabled to complete a chair with individual, distinctive variations in style. The ambiance created by Andy and Jane over six days was brilliant- food and discussions around the kitchen table allowed relaxation from what was for me a challenging yet inspiring course. I am so proud of my chair- many admiring comments from neighbours on my return home!!"